Champions Trophy Disaster? Rohit Sharma to Blame?

Former Indian cricketer and legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently came forward to express his blunt opinion on the inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s squad for the Champion’s Trophy, scheduled to start on 19th February.

Varun was recently declared the Player of the Series, owing to his outstanding performance, taking 14 wickets in 5 matches in the T20 bilateral against England.

Ashwin said that Varun’s chances to be featured in the Champion’s Trophy will depend upon his performance in India’s upcoming ODI bilateral series against England.

His exact words were, “We are all talking about whether he should have been there, I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked.”

Ashwin also highlighted some potential difficulties regarding the inclusion of another spinner, with 4 already present in the squad.

He said, “But, if you look at the existing squad, if a seamer goes out and Varun comes in, it will be an added spinner. I don’t know who they would want to drop. We will wait and see…

…I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England. I don’t think it’s an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs…

…I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the India vs England ODI series.”

He concluded, remarking, “If they don’t give him a chance here, then it’s difficult. But, nevertheless, I congratulate Varun for his first Player of the Tournament award. He is the Chakravarthy of T20I cricket at the moment. I wish he grows more and more.”

With the deadline for any kind of change still comfortably away till February 11th, it will be interesting to see whether Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar will consider Varun for the prestigious tournament.